slather

1 of 2

noun

slath·​er ˈsla-t͟hər 

: a great quantity

—often used in plural

slather

2 of 2

verb

slathered; slathering ˈsla-t͟hə-riŋ 

ˈslat͟h-riŋ

transitive verb

1

: to use or spend in a wasteful or lavish manner : squander

2

a

: to spread thickly or lavishly

slathered sunscreen on her skin

b

: to spread something thickly or lavishly on

slathered her skin with sunscreen

Examples of slather in a Sentence

Verb

We ate lobster slathered with butter.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The evidence is crystal-clear, so do yourself a favor, slather up, and consistently reapply facial sunscreen every few hours to minimize the effects of sun exposure—which, at its worst, can culminate in a skin cancer diagnosis. —Sarah Han, Allure, 11 June 2025

Big, bold flavor in every squeeze, slather and smear Make room in your fridge for the sauces that squeezed out the competition in our PEOPLE 2025 Food Awards. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 4 June 2025

Verb

While slathering yourself with oil and laying out in the sun is highly (and rightfully) frowned upon in the beauty community, there is one type of oil that dermatologists stand by: the best SPF tanning oils. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 June 2025

Now head northeast to Memphis, birthplace of rock ‘n roll and some rockin’ pork ribs slathered in a sauce with sweet and sour notes, blended in pitch perfect harmony. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for slather

• gather
• lather
• rather